The Non-League Reds suffered a heavy FA Vase defeat at in-form Winsford United, going down 0-4 to the team from the division below. After two recent battling defeats in the League, it was hoped that AFC would get back to winning ways in the cup. However, if the truth be told, they exited the competition with a whimper, as they failed to lay a glove on the home side.
Winsford, playing down the slope in the 1st half, had the better of the early exchanges and looked threatening particularly from corners and long throws. An under hit back pass almost gifted United the lead, only for a fine last ditch block from Bobby Murphy. Dave Parkinson was then forced to make a good one on one save in the 20th minute, as the limited number of chances being created all fell to the hosts. Parkinson made another save on 36 minutes and with half time approaching, it looked like it would stay goalless. In the 43rd minute however, Winsford launched yet another long throw from their right. AFC didn't deal with it and the ball was allowed to bounce in the six-yard box, a scramble ensued and Vargas knocked it home. The Non-League Reds couldn't really complain, as although they had promising periods of possession, they had failed to test the Winsford keeper at any point.
It was hoped that the 2nd half would bring a much improved performance from AFC, but sadly this never materialised. Whilst they did show some signs of forcing their way back into the match, as Moorcroft had a shot blocked and Dan Mahafy was trying his best with a good performance in midfield, it was Winsford who extended their lead just after the hour mark. AFC were caught short at the back as they chased an equaliser. Oliver Pope broke free on the right and cut inside to finish well with a left footed strike. From this point on, there was only going to be one winner and although AFC did finally test the home keeper, they never caused the home side any major concerns. As the game went into the last 10 minutes, Winsford were picking The Reds off with ease. They had an effort disallowed for offside in the 80th minute, but 5 minutes later, a replica of the same move resulted in their third, from Woolley. A 4th goal was added by Robinson, as we went into injury time and the final whistle couldn't come soon enough for AFC. Winsford ran out worthy winners and fully deserved their place in the next round. For their part, AFC had to concede that this was probably their poorest team performance of the season to date.
It's back to League action on Tuesday evening at the Marine Travel Arena, when The Non-League Reds will need a big improvement against Abbey Hey. Kick off is 7:45pm and all support would be greatly appreciated.
UTNLR
Final Score - Winsford United 4 v 0 AFC Liverpool
Team - 1. Parkinson 2. Fisher-Jones 3. Giblin 4. Moorcroft (c) 5. Sudworth
6. Murphy 7. C. Jones 8. Mahaffy 9. Taylor 10. Brown 11. Beckett
Subs Used - Byron, Rodriguez, Cummins, Skillen, Williams
(Pics courtesy of Billy Stirrup)
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